BRAD Nicholls came out of his short-lived retirement to play a leading role in Walney Central’s 46-22 win over Widnes Tigers at Central Drive in North West Men’s Division One.

Nicholls rallied to the call as Cents were down in numbers.

But he did not make the best of starts, as Stu Tippett gathered the kick-off and burst through the Tigers defence, parting to the supporting Nicholls who failed to take the ball cleanly.

The Tigers survived to take a third-minute lead with a fine try from scrum half Ben Karalius, who cut inside the cover to score. Paddy Naughton added the goal and soon put over a penalty goal to make it 8-0.

It was 17 minutes in before Cents posed their first real threat. It paid off as Tippett crossed in the corner, with Dave Nicholson converting.

Walney went further behind when Adam Ford was penalised for over-stepping his marker at a play the ball. From the tap, Widnes moved upfield through a sweeping move that resulted in impressive centre Tom Duggan touching down. Naughton added the goal and the Tigers were in control at 14-6.

Cents hit back through an Adam Nicholson try and Dave Nicholson goal, and this lifted the home side and they went ahead for the first time, taking a lead they were not to surrender.

Jordan Staffieri took play upfield, from where a slick ball from Nicholls paved the way for Jake Deveraux to go over.

With half-time approaching, the lead was extended when a relatively young Cents side touched down through Staffieri after good work from Nicholls. The goal from Dave Nicholson sent the home side in at the break 22-14 to the good.

Early in second half, the Tigers went close through prop Dave Murphy, but he lost the ball near the line.

The home line was taking a battering, but Walney stood firm to increase their tally when Dave Nicholson sold a neat dummy to cut through and score. He tagged on the extra two as Cents were in total control.

The Tigers did hit back when the strong-running Duggan raced over for an unconverted try, but the Cents reply was a Brad Nicholls try and George Nicholls goal for 34-18.

Staffieri was next to cross, with George Nicholls adding the goal, but the Tigers were soon in at the other end when a cross-field kick was gathered by Duggan, who completed his hat-trick for 40-22.

To round-off a good day’s work, Luke Harrison galloped in from 20 yards out, with George Nicholls adding the goal.

There are a number of Barrow and District League cup matches coming up over the next week. Fixtures are as follows.

Askam remain top of the ladder in National Conference Division Two after defeating Dewsbury Moor 36-12 at Fallowfield Park.

Russ Bolton ran in a hat-trick of tries, with others coming from Tom Askew (2), Zak Steel and Tom Hopkins. There were four goals from the boot of Kristian Tyson, while Sam Dowsett picked up the man-of-the-match award.

Hindpool Tigers lost out in their opening game of the season in North West Men's League Division One – after several weeks of trying – going down 40-20 at Pilkington Recs A.

Jonathan Wilson (2), Nathan Sneesby and Jamie McIlroy scored tries for the Tigers, with the latter adding two goals.

Wednesday: Frank Reid Cup (6.30pm): Askam v Ulverston.

Saturday: Barton Townley Cup (2pm): Roose Pioneers v Askam.

Frank Reid Cup (2pm): Millom v Dalton, Walney Central v Barrow Island.

Tuesday: Barton Townley Cup (6.30pm): Hindpool Tigers v Barrow Island.